Time to Cowboy Up

It's January 1, 2008 and what a better way to begin the New Year then getting Land of the Sky Cowboy Church running. Since we've been here in Asheville we have seen Gods hand at work despite some of the obvious obsticles. The great thing is, God is bigger than anyone or any problem. I'll give you an example. Last week I was speaking to a Raymond Bell the founder of the Cowboy Church of Virginia and we were talking about our new work here in Asheville. Ray and I had talked a few times over the past couple of years but had not officially met. We talked for about 2 hours on the phone. A few hours after we had hung up he called me back and asked what we were doing Saturday, Suzanne and I had nothing pressing, Ray asked if I would like some company, sure I said, and the next thing I new my wife and I were making plans for our guests to arrive.

Ray and his wife Linda showed up at our house around 10:30 am Saturday morning that meant they left their house in Roanoke, Virginia at 6 AM. One thing is for sure when you do something out of the ordinary you find out really quick who your friends are. Ray and Linda spent the better part of Saturday with us just getting to know one another. I know this sounds strange to say but Suzanne and I haven't really found many friends here in Asheville that understand what we are undertaking with the Cowboy Church plant and how it can take a toll on you. I am not quite sure why that is, we have reached out to alot of people here but maybe we just haven't been able to connect with anyone locally yet.

I know Suzanne has had alot on her plate with home schooling and also hepling me with getting the church started. Ray and Linda listened and shared their experiences from years of ministry work and service. The Cowboy Churches in Virginina, like here in the Carolinas, are seeing tremendous growth as God works through the men and women of the Cowboy Church. It's not just about having a new niche to share the Gospel or impressive music but it happens because men and women are praying for change in peoples hearts. Only Jesus Christ can make that change possible, if we are ready.

All I can say is that it energized us to meet people that are out there on the front lines of ministry, doing what the Bible says,...GO! And go they did right here to Swannanoa, NC and shared their light with Suzanne and I. I'll never forget that day and someone lending a hand of freindship for Christ. Now that's being a light and an example for how Christ says we are to act towards one another.

On Thursday January 10 at 7PM we will begin holding services in Madison County. We have already been asked to start another Cowboy Church in Haywood County this spring. Please continue to pray for Suzanne and me as we share the gospel in the Cowboy culture.

Thanks Giving

I sat on the hill over looking my parents farm tonight and just watched the sun go down over the mountains. Since we moved here I don't think I had taken time to just sit and look at the mountains or watch the sun set. It was one of those moments that I just stopped to watch the horses eating grass and let Lucy the dog (not our dog, just one that comes up to the house when we show up to chase Fletcher, our dog) curl up beside me and we just sat there listening to the wind and the sound of the horses moving through the field. When is the last time you stopped and let the world go by so you could slow down? The time to say "thanks" to those that have made a difference in your life. Then "give" back to those with who you can make a difference. God gave us His great gift in His son Jesus Christ, we say thanks by being faithful to Gods words and sharing what Christ has done for us with others.

Wagons Ho

When is the last time you moved? I don't mean a job move, where a compnay pays the expenses and you have a job waitin' for you. Have you ever moved to a new town with nothing more than a dream and a plan to make it happen? That's church planting.

After planting a Cowboy Church in Kissimmee, FL we felt Gods leading and now we are in the process of planting a Cowboy Church here in the Western North Carolina region just outside of Asheville. It is quite an experience, we have visited a few churches and spoken to many pastors about our plans and just about everyone we have met has offered their assistance. One thing is for sure, though, not one of the churches we have visited have had anyone followup with us or come by to visit. Even the church I grew up hasn't called or come over to visit even after we filled out 4 Visitor Cards. That's not a complaint but an observation. It would have been nice if some of the people from the church would have stopped by and asked if we needed anything or just brought a plate of Grits over. Ha ha.

That to me is a good example of why church plants are so needed in this area. A church planter understands the basics of a servant heart. When Suzanne and I first got here we went by the church office, of the one I grew up in and where my Mom serves in the music ministry, and asked if there was a ministry in the church that could maybe give us a hand as we moved in, but their response was, "We really don't have anyone for that". If churches aren't able to reach inside their own community what good does it do to travel half a world away and build a building. We need to look at the needs around us.

I saw a friend of mine from Orlando here in Asheville at Wal-Mart and his first words to me were " we need to get people outside of the Stained Glass Prison." He's so right. The leadership in many churches seem challenged by church plants in their communities. Reaching the unchurched is not a subject I take lightly. Only with God leading us are we able to fullfill the work He has called us too.

Cowboy Church here in Ashveille will reach people that don't go to church now and become a ministry of example. The time has come to put all the teaching that we have learned in Sunday School, and Church to work in our neighborhoods where we live.

National Day of the American Cowboy

This should be a hoot! An entire day, July 28 2007, devoted to celebrating the heritage of the American Cowboy, or if your from Florida The Cowhunter. When I first heard about this holiday I was excited because I'm always looking for ways to meet people in the cowboy community here in Florida. Any chance I get to share Christ whether it's at a rodeo, horse show, or a Holiday that's dedicated to the continuing education of a lifestyle that engages the memories of youth and mystic of the old west. If you don't know the history of the Florida Cowhunter you may want to do a little research and discover why the Cowhunter is one of the most unique styles of Cowboys with a history that rivals any story from the old west.

Our plan for the holiday is to bring a little cowboy entertainment to Lakeland which is about half way between Orlando and Tampa. At the same time let the community know about our Cowboy Ministry.

So come and join us Saturday July 28 at Conibear RV on North Highway 98. You can find more information about The National Day of the American Cowboy at http://www.cowboyday.com/ or you can visit the Mill Town web page http://www.cowboyministry.com/ for more information.

Come on by and visit with us Saturday July 28 and experience the Cowboy in you.

Listen'n to the Trail Boss

We just got back from 2 weeks in Asheville, NC where I grew up. Our first stop was with Jeff Smith of the Cowboy Church Network. He held a conference for all of the Cowboy Pastors at his ranch near Charlotte, NC. It is very encouraging to so many men mobilizing to spread the gospel through the cowboy culture.

There are alot of people who like to trail ride and compete in all types of equestrian events and the men involved with Cowboy Church have a call to go to where these people are. Many times just being on the trail with a few people is enough to share Jesus Christ in a way that is comfortable to those your riding with. The Cowboy Church is growing and it's impact is being felt in unique ways. Some people that haven't been to church in many years enjoy the layed back atmosphere, in some locations tourists stop by to visit just to take in some of the local traditions.

While we were in Asheville we visited the Blue Ridge Cowboy Church near Asheville and the Cross Country Cowboy Church of Shelby. Each of these churches is serving a needed ministry in their community.

During our trip to Asheville we had planned on relaxing a bit but our first few days were spent at the emergency room. Suzanne had a pain in her side and the doctor thought it was her appendix but thankfully it turned out to be less serious but no less stressful.

The night we went over to the Blue Ridge Cowboy Church Jeff spoke about Listening to the Trail Boss. If you've ever been on a trail drive or just seen one in your favorite western you know there is typically one man in charge of the operation. You take all your direction from him while your on the drive. It can mean the difference between getting a paycheck at the end of the drive or even life and death. Jeff used verse from John 14:13-14. Verse 14 says "If you ask Me anything in My name (Jesus), I will do it."

If the trail boss knows you and you know him chances are you can go to him with a request or concern and he''ll listen. Our relationship with God is much the same, if we have a relationship with His son, Jesus, then He will listen when we talk to Him. If we don't know Jesus we don't know God and He doesn't know us. I realize this might sound harsh but it's the truth. If we ask God to answer our prayers He wants us to be living a life that is worth blessing and is in tune with what God expects from us.

I find myself not always listening to the Trail Boss and that's when I usually begin to wonder off the trail into some deep forest. I don't know about other ministries but the more I try to do things my way the more difficult it is for the Trail Boss to communicate with me. We always have great ideas and strategies for events and ways to bring people in to participate in Cowboy Church but that's not always what God has in mind.

Maybe God has been trying to talk to you on the trail and you've too busy to listen. Take some time and get alone with Him, clear your mind of the duties and commitments and the things that would distract you attention. Get into a right relationship with God, ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and ask Him to make you into the kind of person He wants you to be and then commit yourself to living each day for Christ taking your direction from the only Trail Boss that will ever count.

On The Trail

This has been a year full of exciting trails for the Cowboy Ministry. One thing is for sure, if you know God is calling you, it's best to head that direction. We've traveled to Rodeo's, Horse Shows, and Cattle Drives. And each time we travel to a different location we see Gods' had move in a mighty way.

Last night I went to Lake Alfred to the South of Heaven Rodeo. Tucked away, off of Hwy 17-92, down a dusty road, drive behind the house it opens up to pick-up trucks and lots of boys and girls wearing hats and boots and a small rodeo arena. This is a training facility for Cowboys and Cowgirls to learn how to Rodeo. It is owned by CJ Brown. He helps young Cowboys learn the "ups and downs" of the rodeo business. Each Tuesday they have a "Buck Out", this is a chance for new riders to learn how to get on and off Bulls or Broncs (horses). CJ and I talked about his training and he told me how important is was to him not just to teach how to ride but also how to live. Life lessons are important to him and he conveys that to the young cowboy's at his ranch.

So we have a standing appointment each Tuesday to go over, pray with these young men and women and watch them learn a little aboutlife one ride at a time.

Cowboy Church in the News

NBC Nightly News ran a feature segment on Jeff Smith and Cowboy Churches. Jeff is a Cowboy Pastor and Missionary who is starting Cowboy Churches across the US as well as being a mentor to me and our Cowboy Church ministry here in Central Florida.

Watch the video

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The Goal

Recently, during one of my morning devotionals, I was reading about a missionary who said, "Here let me burn out for God." They weren't talking about job overload but rather a fire for Jesus Christ burning hot and bright.

If you have a job you really love, over time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with the daily tasks and duties of our work or business, over time we forget the reason we started doing it in the first place. It may be that our priorities have changed or the company we work for has lost the vision of it's original purpose. You may or may not have the luxury to change jobs. The responsibilities to our family and financial duties may not allow us just pick up and move to a new job.

Friday night I met a young Bronc rider, next year he will be in 9th grade. After we finished praying for the riders he grabbed me and asked if I would help him set his rig on the horse he had drawn. We'll I hadn't put this kind of rig on before but I said ok. He got on this 1,100 pound horse which was getting ready to bust out of the gate and this young man probably topped out at 95 pounds, yet he was focused on the task at hand. When the gate burst open, the horse turned left and shot straight into the air. The young bronc rider lasted about 3 seconds and then was thrown to the ground. As he walked from the arena over to the chute we exchanged a high five. "Good ride" I said, "how long you been ridin?" I asked, "Just about two months!", he replied.

This young man isn't too different from many of the boys, girls, men and women I meet at rodeos. When they get knocked down they get right back up and start preparing for the next ride. That night our young bronc rider rode again and this time made the 8 second buzzer just in time to be thrown to the ground once more. This young man had a light burning bright from the inside.

Ephesians 5:14 says, for what makes everything clear is light.

Sometimes our light can't shine because we're expecting someone else to turn on the switch. The only way that switch can be turned on is by letting Jesus work in our lives. How do you do that? Ask Him to make you into the person He wants you to be. Your passion may be horses or cowboy poetry, maybe playing the guitar, what-ever it is you can let your passion shine by using that talent for Christ. What makes your light shine? As we read deeper in Gods word and discover His will for our lives it will become apparent were we fit in to His plan.

For a light to begin to burn something has to strike it and cause it to ignite. So go beyond your job description or place in life and look to the passion hidden deep inside you. God has a purpose just waiting for you where you can burn brighter than you thought possible. Isaiah 40:31 says this, But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.

A cowboy climbs on an 1,100 pound horse or a 2,000 pound bull and holds on with one hand trying to make an 8 second ride to win a few dollars but one injury can take all that away. Cowboys and Cowgirls depend on performance to make a living, so what happens when the horse goes lame or becomes to old to ride? Living for God is a daily relationship, He wants you to become the person He made you to be. Make Jesus Christ the source that fuels your light. Yeah! living for God takes effort but the rewards are not temporary they are eternal.

Find what makes you shine and give it to God, take it and place it before Him and let Jesus use it for the good of Heavens benefit and your friends, family and others you come in contact with will be changed because of Jesus light shining thru you.

Galations 6:14
But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Back in the Saddle

After patiently waiting we now have a permanent location for our Cowboy Church. The Heart H Ranch in Davenport, Florida.

When we first started our ministry, we contacted Tim Wilder, the pastor of First Baptist Kissimmee, to let him know what we were doing in the area. He has been an encourager ever since, even passing out our flyers to his congregation when we have special events.

Last month I sat down to talk with Tim again just to update him on our progress and some of the challenges we faced. Before I left I gave him an outline about the Cowboy Church along with the mission statement and goals. A couple of days later I got a call from Quinton Bass, the owner of Heart H Ranch and member of First Baptist Kissimmee. As we talked he told me they had seen us at some of the Junior Rodeo events where they had attended Cowboy Church. Tim had also given him the Outline of our church and told him about our cowboy ministry. We setup a time to meet and visit him and his wife. Once we saw the place both Suzanne and I knew this would be a great place for Cowboy Church. So we left that day both agreeing to pray and let God lead us. I was about to start the Central Florida Fair for the next ten days so I really couldn't do any thing until that was over on the 30th of April.

Quinton and I talked just before the fair started and he agreed with me that the Heart H would be a good location for The Cowboy Church of Central Florida. So we made plans to have our first service on May 4.

On May 4 we left our house on the East side of Orlando and drove 48 miles to the Heart H Ranch to begin setting up at Heart H. Basically we are driving from one end of Orlando to the southwestern tip just below Disney. At 6:45 cars began arriving and by the time we started the service we had 30 people for our first service. I was very encouraged about the attendance. Since we had to move around so much after January we had lost a lot of our regulars just because of the drive. But no matter what, God has shown me that we must persist despite the odds that we face because it's not always on a smooth path that Gods lays out His plan. Prayer and communicating with God each and everyday is where He wants us. The way He communicates with us is through His word and also the message that His son Jesus Christ shares through-out the New Testament. This combined with prayer and fellowship with other believers is the best way to grow in the daily walk with Christ.

During one of her early riding lessons, the horse our daughter Devin was riding decided to take off and run around the riding ring. Devin lost her balance, performed a beautiful, although unintentional head-over dismount and crashed to the ground. Seeing what was happening I was already running to where she had landed as was the owners of the arena. We checked her out and made sure she was ok. Before her tears were even dry the owner of the ranch was walking Devin back over to the same horse that had just run away from her and proceeded put her back in the saddle. Devin didn't want to get back on, but her teacher ignored her and helped her right back up into the saddle. With alot of encouragement and attention my daughter was right back to her routine finishing up her lesson, a little shaken but wiser for the experience.

Despite our best efforts there are going to be times when we get thrown to the ground. Yet the worst thing we can do is hesitate to get back in the saddle. Jesus faced it at Gethsemane but despite the odds He submitted to His Fathers will. The victory comes in overcoming, and through Jesus we have the power, not only to overcome the odds, but to conquer.

- 'nuff said -

Eyes on the horizon

Ever get caught up in a job or a task so intensely that you forget where you were going in the first place? It's easy to do as you begin to get involved in the details of each day. I find myself looking at the broad view most of the time, then when it's time to actually get down to the details I'm less motivated by the ins' and outs' of the admin tasks. With that in mind, the lesson learned is one of humbleness and determination.

Humbling in the fact that as you begin with the vision you lay out the entire scene in your mind and the image is one of a working, thriving, active ministry. But knowing that the vision may represent success, failure, side tracks, derailments, short cuts, and finally a steady momentum. And in the midst of all that the determination to stay in the saddle during the entire ride. It all comes down to allowing Gods plan to work through you according to His will and time schedule not mine. Oh don't get me wrong there are plenty of business models that can put you on the fast track to growth accompanied by almost immediate success. Only then will someone either recognize that it's just another slick model or you are trying to out run Gods will for your life. The later being the correct place to be, Gods will.

Just think what your reaction would be if you saw what God sees for you two, five even ten years down the road. I might make your head explode. It may take time to grow but if God is cultivating it then He will prune, graft, tend the soil and water your vision for His purpose. Remember we are caretakers, fishermen, cowhunters and men and women called to service in partnership with Jesus Christ. We know the plan, let's not rush into it or try and reinvent the wheel. God prepares a mans heart, we plant the seed through the truth of Gods plan, Jesus provides the way for eternal life and again it is our task to cultivate each person as they grow in the knowledge of Gods truth.

There's a friend of mine who is now in fulltime Cowboy ministry at 76 years of age. He goes to most every Junior and High School Rodeo in the state of Florida conducting devotionals and Cowboy Church. This past weekend he drove about 350 miles round trip to share the Good News of Jesus Christ at a rodeo in Okeechobee, on his own money. The other day while we were having lunch he said "I can't believe I waited this long to go and share the gospel to these young men and women." He's been around rodeo most of his life and knows many of the stars of the sport. But one of the other cowboys sitting at the table wisely said God has you right where He wants you, here and now.

So with that said I'll quote the words of another fine cowboy philosopher;

Sit tall in the saddle
Hold your head up high
Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky
An live like you ain't afraid to die
and don't be scared
Just enjoy the ride
Chris LeDoux

Cowboy up!

Inside in the Middle

Most cowboys that ride bronks or bulls will tell you it's all about keeping your mind in the middle. Even the barrel racers say having the fastest horse is nothing if you can't turn. In any rodeo event it's all about timing and being mentally prepared. The same goes for those who have been called to work in ministry, you've got to be prepared to go where it is you've been called to go. Ok now in plain english, get ready, get set, go! All the planning in the world won't make a difference if you never take a step out in faith.

Saturday March 11 we launched the Cowboy Church at Lithia-Pinecrest with our Cowboys in Concert series featuring Tommy Brandt and Travis Lewis. Both of whom have played for us in at Mill Town Cowboy Church services. These two men have an incredible call on their life to share the gospel with their unique style of cowboy country music. Our event as held at the Holmes Equestrian Center in Litha, FL. Mike Holmes and I had been planning this for about a month and it came off even better than we had planned. The event began with a cookout then music. Mike and Sherry Moore of WTBN AM 570-910 were our MC's for the evening. They host a radio program every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 PM called Community in Focus which features ministries from all around Florida and those local to the Tampa Bay area.

Everyone that came Saturday night said they would be back. Even with the Strawberry Festival going on we still had over 100 families attend the inaugural event. Our next event is going to be April 8, Barbaque begins at 5:00 PM, music at 7:00 PM. April will feature a Barn Dance, so be sure and come prepared to swing your partner.

We (me, the wife, and the two kids) left Lithia around 10 PM Saturday night for a 1 hour ride to Arcadia, a hot shower and a bed up off the ground, on our way to help with Cowboy Church at the Arcadia Rodeo. As fate would have it we had just passed Zolfo Springs which is about 24 miles from Arcadia and I said to Suzanne, "I think we're draging something!" Well we were, besides the 16 cargo trailer full of food and drinks and all our PA and lighting equipment, I was draging the left rear tire on the trailer.

Now I have had tires go down before but let me tell you this tire, which by the way was only 4 months old, disintegrated on the wheel. There was nothing left but a small rubber ring and some shards of steel radial. It was basicly acting like a 15 inch grinder going 60 MPH. If you've never been to Zolfo Springs imagine a little country town with one light and it blinks most of the time. The section of the road we discovered the tire wasn't even wide enough for us to pull of and change it. So, I stopped and began changing what was left of the tire. At this point I had been up since 7 AM and I was ready for bed, I just wanted to get the family to the hotel so we could relax. Well the good Lord had something else in mind. Jay Avant from our sponsor church in St Cloud had come down to help with the event in Lithia and before he left I had asked him to bring me a spare tire. If it hadn't been for him we'd have been stranded in Zolfo and "NO!" I mean No! stores are open on Sunday in Zolfo. With the help of two very understanding State Troopers we were able to get the tire replaced and back to Zolfo to put air in the spare, ...it was flat too.!!!

Sunday morning! Travis, Everett from Reality Ranch Minsitries (Zolfo Springs), Mike Fletcher of Spur on Ministries and myself setup for Cowboy Church at the Arcadia Rodeo. By the way, Saturdays rodeo was sold out not even standing room only was available, this was a big rodeo. Everett opened up with his usual brand of humor and gospel, I really enjoy listening to him. He knows everybody there and loves to share Jesus with all of the Cowboys and Cowgirls. I spoke breifly about our cowboy ministry in Central Florida and then turned it over to Mike.

Mike introduced a man that he had invited to give a testimony. Well, he introduced Donnie Gay, 8 time world bull riding champ and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee. I had seen him sitting there in the front row but it didn't dawn on me who he was until Mike asked him to speak. It was amazing hearing him talk about his life on the rodeo circuit chasing those dreams and belt buckles. But even more impressive was hearing how Jesus came into his life and changed him. Once you've been around the rodeo crowd you will understand what that means. Old habits die hard. The rodeo way isn't an easy life even when you're on top of your game. Then ad to that God convicting you to be an example to your friends. Many of who measure a cowboy by his ability to ride a 2000 lb bull or bronk after a night of being places you shouldn't be and drinking like there is no tomorrow. There is no doubt that this man lives his life for Jesus because he is reaching men and women for Jesus Christ on a national level. One cowboy at a time.

Mike Fletcher wrapped up the service talking about living holy lives, one day at a time.

It's all about relationships.

Saddle up, see you on the trail.

Ridin' the Plains

Only a short drive just south of Kissimmee, Florida is a quiet Dude Ranch on the banks of the Kissimmee River called River Ranch Resort. It's like slipping back in time to the days when Cowhunters roamed the wilds of Florida.

We drove down Sunday morning to help put on Cowboy Church at the Florida High School Rodeo. This two day event brought young cowboys and cowgirls from all over the state to compete. Tama, one of the ladies who has been coming to our Cowboy Church in Kissimmee drove down with us. Even though you are just a little south of Osceola County it takes an hour and a half to get there. And trust me it is in the middle of no where. But it is beautiful.

Randy Johnson who is the Chaplain for the High School Rodeo Association leads the service. Suzanne and I have just offered our help any time Randy goes and holds Cowboy Church. Randy is well known throughout the rodeo community and every teen there knows him and the always come around to hug his neck or shake his hand. He also operates a small ranch in Zolfo Springs, Florida called Reality Ranch Ministries. His ranch brings at risk children to the ranch and teaches them how to care for and ride horses. Each Sunday they have a Cowboy Church and once a month feature a Cowboy Fellowship on the last Friday of the month.

Cowboy Church started with 65 rodeo contestants and their Moms and Dads. It always warms my heart to see just how many of these kids show up on a Sunday morning. Randy always presents the gospel in a practical way and relates the message to their everyday life. Randy asked me to close the service by giving an invitation for those who had never accepted Christ into their lives.

If you would like to join us as we travel to various Rodeos across the state please feel free to contact us through our web site listed above. Grab your hat and boots and lets share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Cowboys and Concerts

On March 11, 2006 Mill Town Cowboy Church of Central Florida will venture out West to a small town outside of Plant City called Lithia. It will be our first effort at planting a Cowboy Church post since beginning our ministry in Kissimmee-St Cloud this past August.

The event called Cowboys in Concert will be held at the Holmes Equestrian Center on Lithia-Pinecrest Rd and Highway 39. This area has a vast array of equestrian facilities and riding stables.

I was introduced to Mike Holmes through one of the bullriders that attended our church in Kissimmee but has since moved to Tampa to work horses and cows. Mike along with his wife Denise publish Horse and Tack magazine which is the largest horse publication in Florida.

When Mike and I met it was like a light went on and a common ground was immediately established. We decided to make this a preview event to introduce cowboy church to the area. Our goal with a cowboy ministry is to reach those that might not feel comfortable going to a brick and mortar building for church. Someone who hasn't been to church or just fallen away because they didn't feel like they fit in. Here you can come as you are, boots, jeans, big buckles and cowboy hats, are all welcome.

The event begins at 5:00 PM on Saturday March 11 with a cookout, hot dogs, hamburgers, games for the kids and just a fun time. Then at 7 PM we will be featuring two local Cowboy Gospel musicians. Travis Lewis from Turkey Creek and Tommy Brandt from Sebring, Florida. Travis has played on the Grand Ole Opry stage with Hank Snow and has a unique style and sound with a powerful gospel message. Tommy has won CCMA New Artist of the Year in 2004.

After the music we will present the Gospel message, the Good News of Jesus Christ.

This is an exciting time as we answer Gods call to share the love and grace given to us through Jesus Christ. I hope you will come and join us as we saddle up into a great adventure.

Silver Spurs Boots and Buckles

The 117th Silver Spurs Rodeo was held this weekend, February 17-19, during the Osceola County Fair at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, FL. This 3 day event brings cowboys and cowgirls from all over the U.S. to compete in Bull Riding, Bronc Bustin, Roping and Barrel Racing.

I recieved a call on Monday from one of the top hand committee members asking if our church, Mill Town Cowboy Church, could provide volunteers for the weekend. This was a big opportunity to get involved. So without having any volunteers to commit to the event I said "Yes !" and then began calling that minute to locate our members and arrange volunteers for the weekend.

It turned out to be some of the largest crowds to date since the new indoor arena was build 2 years ago.

Sunday morning we began Cowboy Church at 11am with Travis Lewis singing his unique brand of Cowboy Gospel music. Ben Lee, a PRCA Bull Fighter, gave his testimony how Christ has changed his life while working on the rodeo circuit. Randy Johnson, who is the Chaplain for the Junior and High School Rodeo Associations in Florida and founder of Reality Ranch Ministries shared a message on living each day as an example for others to see.

The Cowboy Church was held in the Hospitality Room and over 40 Cowboys and Cowgirls attended the service. After the service was over we passed out nearly a case of Cowboy Bibles and Travis gave away 65 of his CDs.

www.cowboyministry.com